
Hilton introduce 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite in London
Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Hilton and McLaren Racing are launching a series of fan experiences, including a themed suite and adrenaline‑fueled events and activations.
MCLEAN, VA. and LONDON, UK – To celebrate 20 years of partnership, Hilton and McLaren Racing are introducing a 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite in London. Combining world-class hospitality and pit lane power, beginning today, racing fans can book their dream stay from July 8-20, 2025, at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, just in time for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Rooted in Hilton's 'It Matters Where You Stay' campaign, the 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite was created in collaboration with the McLaren Formula 1 Team and invites travelers to experience a premium stay inspired by the signature hospitality Hilton has used to welcome the team at Hilton properties at race locations across the globe for two decades. Inspired by the paddock, guests first enter through a signature papaya-colored orange door to experience their hotel stay through the eyes of the iconic motorsports team during race weekend. The elevated suite features a heritage hub with iconic McLaren F1 Team memorabilia on display, twin racing simulators, a pit wall with high-intensity race day content, an in-room bar and a smoothie delivery each morning.
From performance-driven fuel to restorative rest amenities, every detail is designed to help fans recharge like the pros. To have a chance to stay in the limited-edition suite, from July 8-20, 2025, fans can book directly at hilton.com/StayLikeMcLaren or Hilton Honors members can also use their Points to bid for stays in the 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite on select dates with additional McLaren Racing experiences being released on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform.
Located in central London, The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton is just steps away from all the action at McLaren Racing Live: London in London's Trafalgar Square July 2-3, 2025; a gathering for fans to get a piece of the McLaren action before the Silverstone race weekend.
'As McLaren F1 Team's longest-standing partner, it has been an honor to stand by the team for 20 years – by not only being a home away from home when the team is on the road but also to create unique, money-can't-buy experiences for our most loyal guests and fans,' said Mark Weinstein, Chief Marketing Officer, Hilton. 'From our trackside hotels like Conrad Singapore Marina Bay and Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone to dozens of other Hilton-branded hotels across the world where the team and fans stay for race weekend, we're proud to deliver exceptional stay experiences for the McLaren team, and we're excited to partner on this supercharged stay experience for fans looking to stay like a winner and experience the fandom like never before.'
'Great partners enable the team's performance on, and off the track, and we are committed to making sure our fans are engaged and excited about what McLaren is doing,' said Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing. 'For 20 years, we've worked with Hilton to both power meaningful experiences that deepen our fans' engagement with what we do and ensure our team can recharge and get that crucial good night's sleep before race day. We're so proud of the partnership we've built together and invite fans to celebrate with us with the 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite and fan experiences we've created together this year.'
Through unique partnerships with brands like the McLaren F1 Team, Hilton Honors members have access to one-of-a-kind experiences that provide unparalleled access and unforgettable moments through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. To help fans and guests stay like the star-studded racing team, Hilton and McLaren Racing have also teamed up on a series of adrenaline-fueled fan activations and experiences around the British Grand Prix in the UK from London to Silverstone, including:
Exclusive Rooftop Lunch at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton's iconic rooftop restaurant:On July 2, 2025, fans can refuel at a pop-up McLaren-inspired pit stop, offering an elevated chef-curated tasting experience, combining racing precision with culinary expertise. Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 27, 2025.
Enjoy the ultimate fan experience with a themed experience and suite: Cheer on the team at their home race via a live in-room broadcast of the race while setting the fastest lap on the simulator and indulging in bespoke cocktails and expertly crafted dishes. Paired with a two-night stay in the suite from July 6-8, 2025, and an F1 themed experience on July 7, Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 20, 2025.
Reset for the weekend with an exclusive evening at The Rooftop: With the backdrop of the iconic London skyline, guests can enjoy an evening reception paired with live music and entertainment to celebrate Hilton's milestone partnership with the McLaren F1 Team. Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 27, 2025.
Silverstone Rooftop Experience at the British Grand Prix, Friday Practice with Hotel Stay: Fans can also experience the fandom trackside by bidding on a chance to attend Friday's Practice sessions at the exclusive Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone Rooftop, with prime views of all the track action and a one-night stay at Spark by Hilton Luton on Friday, July 4, 2025. Bidding is available from now until June 27, 2025.
The suite is the latest in Hilton's 'Stay Like' programming, which invites guests to 'Stay Like' their favorite pop culture icons with a series of immersive, experiential themed suites across Hilton's portfolio of award-winning brands. Previous suites include 'Stay Like' Wicked at New York Hilton Midtown and 'Stay Like an Infinite Icon' at The Beverly Hilton.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Travel Daily News
Hilton introduce 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite in London
Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Hilton and McLaren Racing are launching a series of fan experiences, including a themed suite and adrenaline‑fueled events and activations. MCLEAN, VA. and LONDON, UK – To celebrate 20 years of partnership, Hilton and McLaren Racing are introducing a 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite in London. Combining world-class hospitality and pit lane power, beginning today, racing fans can book their dream stay from July 8-20, 2025, at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, just in time for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Rooted in Hilton's 'It Matters Where You Stay' campaign, the 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite was created in collaboration with the McLaren Formula 1 Team and invites travelers to experience a premium stay inspired by the signature hospitality Hilton has used to welcome the team at Hilton properties at race locations across the globe for two decades. Inspired by the paddock, guests first enter through a signature papaya-colored orange door to experience their hotel stay through the eyes of the iconic motorsports team during race weekend. The elevated suite features a heritage hub with iconic McLaren F1 Team memorabilia on display, twin racing simulators, a pit wall with high-intensity race day content, an in-room bar and a smoothie delivery each morning. From performance-driven fuel to restorative rest amenities, every detail is designed to help fans recharge like the pros. To have a chance to stay in the limited-edition suite, from July 8-20, 2025, fans can book directly at or Hilton Honors members can also use their Points to bid for stays in the 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite on select dates with additional McLaren Racing experiences being released on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. Located in central London, The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton is just steps away from all the action at McLaren Racing Live: London in London's Trafalgar Square July 2-3, 2025; a gathering for fans to get a piece of the McLaren action before the Silverstone race weekend. 'As McLaren F1 Team's longest-standing partner, it has been an honor to stand by the team for 20 years – by not only being a home away from home when the team is on the road but also to create unique, money-can't-buy experiences for our most loyal guests and fans,' said Mark Weinstein, Chief Marketing Officer, Hilton. 'From our trackside hotels like Conrad Singapore Marina Bay and Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone to dozens of other Hilton-branded hotels across the world where the team and fans stay for race weekend, we're proud to deliver exceptional stay experiences for the McLaren team, and we're excited to partner on this supercharged stay experience for fans looking to stay like a winner and experience the fandom like never before.' 'Great partners enable the team's performance on, and off the track, and we are committed to making sure our fans are engaged and excited about what McLaren is doing,' said Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing. 'For 20 years, we've worked with Hilton to both power meaningful experiences that deepen our fans' engagement with what we do and ensure our team can recharge and get that crucial good night's sleep before race day. We're so proud of the partnership we've built together and invite fans to celebrate with us with the 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite and fan experiences we've created together this year.' Through unique partnerships with brands like the McLaren F1 Team, Hilton Honors members have access to one-of-a-kind experiences that provide unparalleled access and unforgettable moments through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. To help fans and guests stay like the star-studded racing team, Hilton and McLaren Racing have also teamed up on a series of adrenaline-fueled fan activations and experiences around the British Grand Prix in the UK from London to Silverstone, including: Exclusive Rooftop Lunch at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton's iconic rooftop restaurant:On July 2, 2025, fans can refuel at a pop-up McLaren-inspired pit stop, offering an elevated chef-curated tasting experience, combining racing precision with culinary expertise. Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 27, 2025. Enjoy the ultimate fan experience with a themed experience and suite: Cheer on the team at their home race via a live in-room broadcast of the race while setting the fastest lap on the simulator and indulging in bespoke cocktails and expertly crafted dishes. Paired with a two-night stay in the suite from July 6-8, 2025, and an F1 themed experience on July 7, Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 20, 2025. Reset for the weekend with an exclusive evening at The Rooftop: With the backdrop of the iconic London skyline, guests can enjoy an evening reception paired with live music and entertainment to celebrate Hilton's milestone partnership with the McLaren F1 Team. Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 27, 2025. Silverstone Rooftop Experience at the British Grand Prix, Friday Practice with Hotel Stay: Fans can also experience the fandom trackside by bidding on a chance to attend Friday's Practice sessions at the exclusive Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone Rooftop, with prime views of all the track action and a one-night stay at Spark by Hilton Luton on Friday, July 4, 2025. Bidding is available from now until June 27, 2025. The suite is the latest in Hilton's 'Stay Like' programming, which invites guests to 'Stay Like' their favorite pop culture icons with a series of immersive, experiential themed suites across Hilton's portfolio of award-winning brands. Previous suites include 'Stay Like' Wicked at New York Hilton Midtown and 'Stay Like an Infinite Icon' at The Beverly Hilton.


Travel Daily News
20-05-2025
- Travel Daily News
A practical guide to buying the best used hybrid cars
Buying a used hybrid car is a smart choice for the future that's good for the environment and can save you money. By following this guide, UK buyers can feel confident when looking for a used hybrid, making sure they choose a car that's efficient, reliable, and good value for money. The UK second-hand market has seen a big rise in hybrid vehicles. These eco-friendly cars save fuel, reduce emissions, and hold their value well. This guide will help UK drivers, first-time hybrid buyers, and eco-conscious shoppers choose wisely among the best used hybrid cars. With more focus on going green and the government pushing for cleaner transport, hybrids are a great option for drivers who want to cut their carbon footprint while enjoying the benefits of both electric and regular engines. Key Points for Buying Used Hybrid Cars in the UK Know the hybrid types: full, mild, and plug-in hybrids save fuel differently Compare upfront costs to long-term savings on fuel and road tax Check battery health and warranty – replacement can be costly Look for reliable models like the Toyota Prius or Lexus CT 200h Check real-world MPG, especially for city driving Look at safety features and driver aids Research best used hybrid cars that keep their value Check service history and get a hybrid-specific check Test drive to feel how it switches between electric and petrol Work out total ownership costs including insurance and servicing Look at MOT history to see the car's condition Consider certified pre-owned for extra peace of mind Check if any government incentives still apply Read long-term owner reviews for real experiences Compare fuel savings to your usual driving habits Understand How Hybrids Work Types of Hybrid Systems There are three main types of hybrid systems: Full hybrids: Can run on electric power alone for short distances Mild hybrids: Electric motor assists the petrol engine but can't power the car alone Plug-in hybrids: Can be charged from an external power source and run on electric power for longer distances Full hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, can run on just electricity for short trips, usually 1-2 miles at low speeds. This makes them great for city driving with lots of stops. Mild hybrids, from brands like Honda and Suzuki, use a small electric motor to help the petrol engine, saving fuel and cutting emissions, but can't run on electricity alone. Plug-in hybrids, like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, offer the best of both worlds with longer electric-only ranges (often 20-30 miles) and can work as a regular hybrid when the battery runs low. How Hybrids Save Fuel Hybrid cars use several technologies to improve fuel efficiency: Regenerative braking: Captures energy normally lost during braking Electric-only driving modes: Allows the car to run on electric power at low speeds Idle-stop features: Turns off the engine when the car is stationary Regenerative braking is a key feature of hybrid vehicles. It turns the energy usually lost when you brake into electricity, storing it in the battery for later use. This really helps save fuel in cities. Electric-only driving modes, especially in full and plug-in hybrids, let you drive without any emissions in city centers and other slow-speed areas. Idle-stop systems, which turn off the engine when you're not moving and restart it when needed, can save fuel and cut emissions in heavy traffic. Together, these technologies can save 20-40% on fuel compared to regular petrol cars, especially when driving in cities. Set a Budget and Ownership Expectations Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Savings While hybrid cars often cost more to buy, they can save you a lot over time: Hybrid vs Conventional Vehicle Costs Initial Cost Fuel Costs Maintenance Resale Value Hybrid cars usually cost 10-20% more than regular cars to buy. But you save money over time. You'll spend less on fuel, especially if you drive a lot in cities or have a long commute. In the UK, many hybrids also pay less road tax. Some cities let hybrids park for free or at a discount, and they might not have to pay congestion charges in some areas. When thinking about the total cost, remember to include these savings along with the higher purchase price. Insurance, Servicing, and Battery Replacement When considering a used hybrid, factor in these ownership costs: Insurance: Hybrid cars may have slightly higher premiums due to their complex systems Servicing: Regular maintenance is similar to conventional cars, but specialist knowledge may be required Battery replacement: While rare, this can be expensive (£1,500-£5,000) but is often covered by extended warranties Insurance for hybrids can cost a bit more because their systems are more complex and might cost more to fix. But the difference is usually small, and hybrid drivers often have fewer accidents, which can balance it out. Regular servicing costs about the same as for normal cars, but it's important to use garages that know about hybrids for bigger issues. Many people worry about replacing hybrid batteries, but modern ones are made to last as long as the car in most cases. Many car makers offer long warranties on hybrid parts, often up to 8-10 years or 100,000 miles, which is good news for used car buyers. Features to Look for in the Best Used Hybrid Cars Proven Battery Life and Warranties When searching for the best used hybrid cars, prioritise models with: Remaining battery warranties (typically 8-10 years from the original purchase date) Strong durability records and documented battery health assessments Low annual mileage, which can help preserve battery health Battery health is really important for how well a used hybrid works and what it's worth. Look for cars with full service records that show battery health checks. Some car makers, like Toyota, offer battery health checks as part of their services. A hybrid with some battery warranty left can give you peace of mind, as new batteries can be expensive. Low mileage is usually good, but don't worry too much about higher mileage on well-kept cars from good brands. Regular use can actually be good for hybrid batteries, keeping them in good shape. Efficiency Ratings and Real-World MPG Look for models known for dependable fuel economy, especially for city driving. Consider these factors: Official MPG ratings: Hybrid cars typically achieve 40-60 miles per gallon Real-world efficiency reports from current owners Performance in various driving conditions (urban, motorway, mixed) Official MPG numbers are a good start, but real-world fuel economy can be quite different depending on how and where you drive. Look up what actual owners say and check independent tests to get a better idea of what to expect. Pay special attention to how efficient the car is in cities, where hybrids usually do best. Some models, like the Toyota Prius, are known for getting close to their official MPG in real life. Think about your usual driving patterns when looking at efficiency claims – if you mostly drive on motorways, a hybrid might not save you as much as it would if you drive a lot in cities. Safety and Driver Assistance Features Modern hybrids often come equipped with advanced safety technologies. Seek out vehicles with: Autonomous emergency braking Lane departure warning and assist Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Safety features have gotten much better in recent years, and many hybrid models come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Autonomous emergency braking can really reduce the risk of front-end crashes, while lane departure warning and assist help keep you from drifting out of your lane. Adaptive cruise control not only makes long trips more comfortable but can also help save fuel. Blind-spot monitoring is especially useful in busy city traffic. When comparing used hybrid models, look at safety ratings from groups like Euro NCAP, which give thorough assessments of how safe cars are. Doing your research and comparing models from the best used hybrid cars available today can help you secure both value and peace of mind. Popular Models to Consider Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius has long been a leader in hybrid reliability and fuel economy. Key features include: Excellent fuel efficiency (up to 60 mpg) Spacious interior and practical hatchback design Proven hybrid system reliability The Toyota Prius is often seen as the go-to hybrid car, known for being very reliable and fuel-efficient. Its shape helps it use less fuel, especially in cities. The Prius is comfortable to ride in and surprisingly roomy inside, making it good for families and long trips. Toyota has been improving its hybrid system for many years, so it works well and efficiently. Used Prius models often keep their value well because people know they last a long time and don't cost much to run. Hyundai Ioniq The Hyundai Ioniq offers a modern and efficient option in the used hybrid market: Competitive pricing in the second-hand market Choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full electric versions User-friendly technology features The Hyundai Ioniq is a newer hybrid option that offers a fresh choice compared to older models. It's often priced well in the used market, which is good for buyers on a budget. The Ioniq looks sleek and modern inside and out, which appeals to people who want something that feels up-to-date. You can choose between hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric versions in the same car style, so you can pick the one that suits you best. Hyundai is known for making reliable cars, and this includes their hybrids. The Ioniq comes with a good warranty package that might still be valid on many used cars. Lexus CT 200h For those seeking a premium hybrid option, the Lexus CT 200h offers: Luxurious interior and build quality Toyota hybrid technology for reliability Strong resale value The Lexus CT 200h combines Toyota's reliable hybrid technology with the luxury you'd expect from Lexus. It has a fancy interior with high-quality materials and is built very well, feeling more premium than many other hybrid cars. The CT 200h is compact, which makes it good for city driving, but it still has decent space for passengers and luggage. While it might not be the most fuel-efficient in its class, it still uses less fuel than many luxury cars. The CT 200h tends to keep its value well when you sell it, which reflects both its premium brand and how reliable its hybrid system is. Kia Niro The Kia Niro is a practical hybrid crossover known for: Spacious interior and cargo area Good real-world MPG (up to 50 mpg) Available as hybrid or plug-in hybrid The Kia Niro is a great mix of practicality and efficiency in a crossover shape. It sits higher up and has lots of space inside, which families and people who need versatile cars like. The Niro's hybrid system gives good fuel economy in real driving conditions, with many owners saying they get close to the official mpg numbers. You can choose between a regular hybrid or a plug-in hybrid version, depending on how you drive and what you need. Kia is known for making reliable cars, and their generous warranty (which might still be valid on many used Niros) adds to its appeal in the used car market. Honda Jazz Hybrid Ideal for urban drivers, the Honda Jazz Hybrid offers: Compact size for easy parking Surprisingly spacious interior with versatile seating Excellent fuel economy in city driving (up to 55 mpg) The Honda Jazz Hybrid combines the practicality of the regular Jazz with the benefits of a hybrid engine. It looks small on the outside, but it's surprisingly roomy inside, thanks to Honda's clever 'Magic Seats' system. The Jazz Hybrid is great for city driving – it's easy to park and maneuver, and its hybrid system helps save fuel in stop-start traffic. While it's not as powerful as some bigger hybrid cars, it's good enough for driving in the city and suburbs. It's known for being reliable and cheap to run, which makes it a good choice in the used hybrid market, especially for people who want a practical and efficient small car. Where and How to Buy Certified Used or Main Dealers Benefits of purchasing from certified used or main dealers include: Comprehensive vehicle checks and hybrid system assessments Detailed service history and documentation Possible extended warranties Assurance of proper reconditioning before sale Buying from certified used or main dealers often gives you more peace of mind when getting a used hybrid. These dealers usually do thorough checks, including specific tests on the hybrid parts. Many offer certified pre-owned programs with extended warranties, which can be really valuable for hybrid cars. Main dealers often know a lot about their brand's hybrid systems, so they can spot and fix any potential problems before selling the car. While prices might be higher than private sales, the extra assurances and potential for ongoing support can make it worth the extra cost for many buyers. Private Sales Considerations When considering a private sale, be sure to: Check the MOT history thoroughly Review all available service records Arrange for a hybrid-specific diagnostic check Verify the seller's ownership and the vehicle's legal status Private sales can offer good value, but you need to do more checks yourself. Look carefully at the MOT history to see if there have been any recurring issues or if the car has been well-maintained. Ask for and closely examine all service records, paying special attention to any work done on the hybrid system. It's a good idea to get a pre-purchase inspection by a garage that knows about hybrid cars, as they can do special checks on the hybrid system. Make sure the seller really owns the car and that there's no outstanding finance on it, to avoid legal problems later. While private sales require more effort from you as the buyer, they can save you a lot of money if you're willing to do the necessary research and checks. Test Driving a Hybrid During the test drive, pay attention to: Smooth transitions between electric and petrol modes Regenerative braking response Cabin noise levels Overall driving comfort and handling When test driving a hybrid, there are some unique things to look out for. Listen for smooth changes between electric and petrol power – any jerking or hesitation could mean problems with the hybrid system. Check how the regenerative braking feels – it should slow the car smoothly and help charge the battery. Hybrid cars are often very quiet, especially at low speeds, so pay attention to how noisy it is inside. See how comfortable the car is to drive and how it handles – the weight of the batteries in hybrids can affect how they drive. If you can, try the car in different situations, like in stop-start city traffic where hybrids usually do well, and on faster roads to see how it performs on the motorway. Final Checks Before Purchase Review Ownership Costs Before finalising your purchase, compare: Cost Type Hybrid Conventional Status for Hybrid Road Tax Lower Higher Positive Fuel Costs Lower Higher Positive Insurance Slightly Higher Standard Neutral Servicing Similar Standard Neutral When comparing costs, think about both what you pay now and what you'll save later. Road tax is often lower for hybrid cars because they produce less CO2, so you save money every year. Fuel costs are usually much lower for hybrids, especially if you drive a lot in cities. Insurance might cost a bit more for hybrids because their systems are more complex, but the difference is usually small and can be balanced out by hybrid drivers having fewer accidents. Regular servicing costs about the same as normal cars, but remember that if something goes wrong with the hybrid system, it might be more expensive to fix. Think about how much you drive each year and where you usually drive when looking at these costs, as hybrids save you the most money when you drive in cities and mixed conditions. Battery Health Check For older hybrid models, it's crucial to: Arrange a professional battery health assessment Understand the costs and process of potential battery replacement Check for any remaining warranty on the hybrid system Getting a professional to check the battery health is really important when buying an older hybrid car. Many main dealers and special garages offer this service, which can tell you how good the battery still is and how much life it has left. While hybrid batteries are made to last as long as the car in most cases, it's good to know how much it might cost to replace the battery and how it's done, just in case. Check if there's any warranty left on the hybrid system – many car makers offer long warranties on hybrid parts, often up to 8-10 years or 100,000 miles. This can protect you from having to pay for an expensive battery replacement if something goes wrong. Online Reviews and Long-Term Owner Feedback Before making your final decision: Read reviews from long-term hybrid owners Check owner forums for common issues and resolutions Compare real-world experiences with manufacturer claims Reading reviews and checking owner forums can give you great insights into what it's really like to own a specific hybrid model. Look for feedback from people who've had their cars for several years and driven them a lot, as this can tell you about potential issues and how reliable the car is long-term. Pay attention to what they say about real-world fuel economy, as this can sometimes be different from the official figures. Owner forums are especially useful for finding out about common problems with certain models or years, and often tell you how these problems are usually fixed. Compare these real-life experiences with what the car maker says to get a balanced view of how well the car performs and how reliable it is. This research can help you make a better decision and possibly avoid models that are known to have problems. Conclusion Buying a used hybrid car is a smart choice for the future that's good for the environment and can save you money. By following this guide, UK buyers can feel confident when looking for a used hybrid, making sure they choose a car that's efficient, reliable, and good value for money. Remember to focus on: Learning about hybrid technology and specific models Doing thorough checks before buying, including checking the battery health Thinking about long-term costs and benefits of owning a hybrid Test driving to see how it performs and feels in real life By taking time to compare the best used hybrid cars and doing proper checks, you can enjoy the benefits of hybrid technology while making a good financial decision. Happy hybrid hunting! 'Choosing the right used hybrid car is about balancing efficiency, reliability, and value. With careful research and consideration, you can find a vehicle that not only reduces your carbon footprint but also provides long-term savings and driving satisfaction.' — Expert advice on best used hybrid cars. Photo by Ibrahima Toure on Unsplash


Travel Daily News
20-05-2025
- Travel Daily News
Sports events fuel £2.2bn. in UK spending from April to October
An exclusive report by The Data Appeal Company reveals that between April and October, sports events in the UK generated over £2.2 billion in spending, spanning more than 3,200 events and attracting nearly 25.6 million attendees. Far from being just spectacles, these events are economic powerhouses that energise tourism, reshape mobility, and impact entire regions. FLORENCE – The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, a leader in tourism data analysis, has unveiled a comprehensive report that explores the broader impact of major UK sporting events on local economies, tourism, and spending. The report 'Wimbledon and Beyond: A Data Snapshot of UK Sports Events and Their Impact', offers a deep dive into how iconic events like Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix, and the London Marathon drive visitor spending, accommodation trends, and overall economic growth across the UK. The UK's reputation as a global sports hub is undeniable, but the financial impact of its sporting events is equally significant. With the sports events sector alone contributing almost £9.753 billion to the UK economy in 2024 according to UK Events Report, Data Appeal's study uncovers the effects of these events on local economies through various lenses, including visitor spending, accommodation trends and sentiment and popularity. 'These events offer cities a unique opportunity to drive short-term revenue and long-term visibility,' says Mirko Lalli, CEO & Founder of Data Appeal. 'But capturing that value requires understanding not just attendance, but how people travel, spend, and experience the destination. For destinations and organisers, the insight is strategic: curating the right mix of events—those that attract high-value audiences or generate broad public engagement – can be far more effective than simply aiming for crowd numbers.' Top events in the UK: Festivals vs. Sports Events Data reveals a clear distinction between festivals and sports events in terms of attendance and economic impact. While festivals like the Notting Hill Carnival and Pride in London draw hugeΘνιτεδ κινγδομs crowds, sports events such as Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix generate significantly higher spending per visitor: Wimbledon is predicted to generate over £224 million from 526,000 attendees, with significant contributions from hospitality services. The British Grand Prix also leads in total spending, with £188 million forecasted. The Gemini Boat Race ranks as a high-spend event, despite lower attendance, due to its exclusive audience. Top-Spender sports events and their economic impact Between April and October 2025, Wimbledon leads UK sports events in predicted spending with £224.8M, followed by the British Grand Prix (£188.6M) and the Gemini Boat Race (£175.2M)—the latter notable for its high per capita spend despite a smaller crowd. The Open Championship (£82.1M in hospitality) and the TCS London Marathon (£60M in F&B) round out the top five, with the marathon drawing the largest attendance (800,000) and broader city-wide impact. Overall, elite events drive higher per-person spend, while mass events boost urban tourism and public engagement. Flight data and regional impact Despite a slight drop in arrivals the week before Wimbledon, the event still saw a net increase of over 3 million travellers compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting its strong global appeal and the behaviour of high-spending, late-booking audiences. Similarly, the British Grand Prix is expected to triple arrivals into Birmingham on July 4, boosted by overlapping U.S. holiday travel. Events in remote areas like Derry also show sharp international spikes when backed by the right infrastructure and visibility. In contrast, events like the Gemini Boat Race and London Marathon show limited air travel impact, likely due to their local reach and reliance on domestic ground transport – still valuable for regional planning and mobility strategies. Accommodation trends: Understanding OTA saturation Accommodation data shows key contrasts in booking behaviour and pricing around major events: for instance, by March 2025, OTA saturation for Wimbledon was already high, yet rates remained unexpectedly low – likely due to high-spending travellers booking via private channels, corporate packages, or exclusive clubs. This suggests that traditional OTA data may underestimate true economic impact. Events like The Open Championship boost OTA rates and saturation even in remote areas, benefiting surrounding towns if infrastructure and marketing align. In contrast, the London Marathon contributes to a steady seasonal uplift in rates, offering cities the chance to build loyalty around predictable demand. Lack of OTA data for events like the British Grand Prix or Gemini Boat Race may signal blind spots in regional markets, underlining the need for broader data partnerships. Sentiment and public perception: A mixed bag The area of Wimbledon saw a notable sentiment increase from 85 to 92, reflecting its strong emotional and reputational impact driven by world-class competition, tradition, and premium experiences – positioning it as a cultural highlight of the UK summer. In contrast, events like the London Marathon, Boat Race, and British Grand Prix showed no measurable sentiment uplift, which, while less headline-grabbing, still represents a success given the operational pressures high-traffic events can bring. These results underline that positive sentiment hinges not just on attendance, but on curated experiences and effective infrastructure, highlighting the need to balance crowd appeal with community well-being and event quality. In conclusion, the data underscores how top-tier sporting events are not only cultural milestones but also powerful economic engines, driving multimillion-pound impacts across travel, accommodation, and hospitality sectors. By combining granular insights – from flight patterns to booking behaviours and sentiment trends – the report offers destination managers, event organisers, and tourism boards a clear roadmap to maximise both revenue and resident satisfaction. With strategic planning and data-led decisions, cities can turn peak moments into long-term value.